It is a multiple-branching deciduous shrub growing to 5–7 metres (16–23 feet) tall with an open, spreading, irregular habit, only rarely forming a small tree.

The leaves are 3–8 centimetres (1+1⁄4–3+1⁄4 inches) long rounded ovals, green with a waxy glaucous sheen.

Most of the flowers in each inflorescence abort, elongating into yellowish-pink to pinkish-purple feathery plumes (when viewed en masse these have a wispy 'smoke-like' appearance, hence the common name "smoke tree") which surround the small (2–3 mm or 1⁄16–1⁄8 in) drupaceous fruit that develop.

[2] The species is native to a large area from southern Europe, east across central Asia and the Himalayas to northern China.

[8] The species, along with other members of the sumac family, has been used to make red dyes for textiles including weft-wrapped soumak rugs and bags in the Middle East.